"...in the day of trouble He will keep me safe..."

I honestly don't have anything to say---my throat is sore, and it feels like it has been burned. Everything I eat hurts on the way down and nothing tastes good.I still have sore hands.

We might get snow tomorrow. I love the winter. I love Christmas (so does John) and all about it. I have to be honest and wonder if I will be here for another Christmas. I do not feel bad and ,in fact, wonder sometimes if the doctors made a mistake--the only bad I feel is the chemo.

John went to three doctors today so he has some bad side effects tonight from the dermatologist who had to cut/sew up some cancer places on his arm.... the other two were good visits.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life....for in the day of trouble He will keep me safe..".Psalm 27:4-5

"The earth is the Lord's..."

I have a small "workroom", nothing like as large as the other ones who work for our daughter and son in law's shop, and smaller than when I was in our house. But it is a useful work area since I mostly make pillows. When I get the fabric, usually the window treatments and bedding have already been cut out and I get sometimes small pieces and sometimes lots of scraps. I make the pillows and then have lots of small pieces that no one could make anything from...but yet? A friend belongs to a quilting and a church group that take these scraps and make "walker bags" to hang on walkers for those in nursing homes. They take pieces as small as 5x5 inches and make quilts for children's hospitals, and lap robes for those in nursing homes. Larger pieces are used to make 6-10 inch pillows for patients at a local hospital when they come back from surgery. There is a lady with Alzheimer's who does not know her name, yet she remembers how to sew. She can hand-sew the binding around the quilts. This is the most amazing concept of her being used for others, when many people would think she can do nothing. These scraps are used and re-used to benefit many.

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all you live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."

When I have spare time (none lately) I make tiny "quilts" anywhere from 12 inches square to 12x14 to put on preemies at a local hospital, to give then some colorful surroundings. This fabric has to be cotton and I usually find this at fabric stores remnants. I cannot imagine anyone being bored and having nothing to do, at least that is my mind set. There are never enough hours in the day.

Today included some nausea, just out of the blue! Of course, the usual hands that hurt. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I would love to eat and enjoy the food!

"Wives, submit to your husbands..."

"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:18-19 John wanted to go to a ball game today. I wanted to stay here and do several things I --just wanted to be here. We went to the ball game. For one thing, his lack of sight scares me when he goes uptown alone, so I usually go along. Then the game was good, and our team won. I also thought, this is a blessing that my husband wants me to go with him to a ballgame. This is a blessing that he enjoys spending time with me. As I was looking for a Bible passage to read tonight, I came upon this one about husbands and wives. I always have trouble with the submission part. Do you ever wonder why God said for wives to "submit" and for husbands to "love"???I guess one follows the other.

My fingers are cracking open again. It seems they get well then here that comes again. You would think if they heal up they would stay healed up.

We love this season, the decorations, the cooking, the excitement of gifts, even if you don't buy as many as you used to. All of our friends (and we) decided we do not need any more gift things so we just get together and don't do the gifts any more. I miss that because it was fun to pick out certain things for certain friends but we are getting rid of things now, not stacking up more! So that time of life is past, when you add to collections. So the Christmas music, the lovely decorations and getting together with friends and family are plenty for now.

"...a crown to the aged..."

We are home and had a really great time at our grand daughter's and grandson in law... and the three boys! "Hyperactive Lu" is her blog and there are lots of pictures there. The oldest (nearly 6) asked me to climb his tree so I did--up about six feet off the ground. He asked me "how OLD are you?" I told him and he seemed not surprised (76) and said "OK that means you were 75 last year." I told him I climbed trees until I was 65 (when we took the grandchildren camping) so I guess I will have to revise my claim! What a treat to be with great grandchildren, and their being able to have fun with us and remember us when we are gone. John pushed their motorized car to get it going and they loved that. I love this verse in Proverbs, 17:6 "Children's children are a crown to the aged..." and that is so true. What joy.

In being aware of things to be thankful for, we had to go to the clinic to get me a shot as we left town Wednesday. The nurses were there bright and early to accommodate us as we were on our way. They are always so cheerful in such a strenuous job and in an atmosphere of pain and sadness sometimes.

Once when we stopped to change drivers at an exit, a young man stopped and asked if we were OK or needed help. What a nice thing for him to do.

We had dinner with another grandson and his wife and what another treat to be with the family we love so much.

Happy day after thanksgiving to everyone. I could not enjoy the food very much because my taste is not good, and this seems to be the worst of the side effects in this chemo. I make myself eat because I have to! But it sure does not mean much!

"Come to me, all ye who are weary and burdened..."

Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives peace for those in need, in many ways... "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I saw many people today who were seeking rest "for their souls" and ever hopeful seeking a cure. We never give up wanting to find that cure! My oncologist today was even more excited about this chemo. He has been to seminars in Germany and New York this past week and everyone is feeling encouraged. I was there for 12 hours today, had a heart echo (doing OK), the infusion chemo (white cells were good) and kept going on the daily pill chemo. I have to go early tomorrow for a white cell shot (I never can remember the correct name). The long time is to obtain hourly blood to see how my body reacts to the chemo. The last draw was 7:23 pm then we came home!

I had many blessings today! My husband was willing to sit there all day and be so bored just to be with me! The doctors and nurses were so comforting and energetic, even though rushed so much trying to cram five days work into three days due to Thanksgiving holiday. They just do any thing to work out schedules for us if there is a conflict. They made a possible bad day into pretty good by their attitudes. I am ever thankful for prayers of family and friends. Every time I talk to someone they remind me of praying for me.

We will be so blessed to spend thanksgiving day with our granddaughter and her husband, and three greats. Then we will see a grandson and his wife the next day. No greater blessings than those. Give your burdens to God and have a blessed Thanksgiving Day! Love to all.

"...His faithfulness continues..."

This is another day of especially thinking about blessings (I should do it every day!!!) This was another almost summer-like day, with blue skies. I had more birthday greetings, and wonderful loving messages from friends. I am truly blessed by those who share their love and I feel very humble to be honored by these friendships.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues though all generations." Psalm 100: 4-5

I did more decorating, did several small trees, since we don't have a lot of room, I did three small 2 and 3 foot trees on a table and used the large shiny ornaments there. All these used to be on a large 8 foot tree. Of course, I have given away to family probably half our ornaments so what I have left is great on these small trees. I also have another 3 foot tree in our bedroom with my tea pot ornaments on it. And another with my cat ornaments on it. In the kitchen is another with the sheep on it. This sounds like a lot but consider I used to have about 7 large trees, one in every room. I had a cat, sheep, angel, snowman, bird and bird nests, and the largest shinny tree. So I really have cut way back! I do love Christmas (John does also) and this is our favorite time of year. I would be untrue if I did not have a tiny wonder of how I will be in a year. Will I be putting these ornaments up next year? But, last year, I was so sick I could not do very much, so this is a really better year! Thank you God for better health even if I have more tumors than last year. But, they are shrinking, so that is a blessing. Tomorrow is chemo day, so I will see what is going on a little more.

"Shout for joy..."

Psalm 100:1-3 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know ye that the Lord, He, is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

Since it is nearly Thanksgiving Day, I decided I would be especially noticing and thankful for everything in my life. I should do this every day, but you know how life's busy-ness creeps in and keeps us (me) from being aware of each blessing and each wonderful happening each day.

Today, Sunday, had many blessings: friends at church, many asking how I am doing, many hugs (I will hug until the blood levels get low again or they tell me not to), still more belated birthday wishes, a young boy brought me his all day sucker from Sunday School and gave it to me for my birthday! He is a handsome young man of 7 years old and that meant alot! My sister came to church with us today and we had lunch out for her birthday (we are both November babies). Our "great" was here part of the day, and any time I am with her is a blessing. Our daughter and I did some yard work, and some decorating for Christmas. Being with her part of the day was a blessing. John and I are going to a grand daughter's for Thanksgiving and when we get home, it will be almost Christmas!

Oh my, how many blessings, without hardly trying to think of them! As far as chemo effects, same old, same old......but I really don't feel bad, just the ankle and hand swelling and the food taste are the worst things. But, a blessing that I can have treatment and look for a cure. God is good, "shout for joy!"

"...the secret of being content---"

Philippians 4:12-13 tells us "---I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation---I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Today was my birthday and I have had a wonderful day! I had about 50 face book birthday greetings and over 20 cards sent. I cannot imagine anyone being this blessed! A grandson and our "great" came by, and all our grandchildren either called or emailed. I enjoyed the last of the wonderful warm days. They have got to end soon, and no more 70+ days. I got out some of the Christmas decorations and our son in law has to reach the rest for me. We got rid of so much when we moved but I kept as many Christmas things as I thought we could use. This is almost my favorite time of year, I love the decorating the house, cooking, having friends over, and even though my scale is smaller most of the time, we can use our daughter's part of the house sometimes and have larger groups.

I am still having the swollen feet and hands, and the cracked open fingers. I will go to the doctor on Tuesday and it will be interesting to see how they will want to handle this. Food tastes worse then ever and I may lose the weight I had gained back. Well we will see...meantime, I will be content!

"...how majestic is your name..."

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens....when I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and all the stars, which you have set in place....." Psalm 8:1-2,3.

About 8 years ago, John and I led a care group at our church. For about four years. we chose, as a group, to have a meal and a devotional four times a year at a truck stop in a town close to us. There were about 20 of us and we took food, decorated the tables, set us everything in the truckers' lounge, then the men went around the trucks parked in the lot and invited the men (and sometimes women or families) to have a meal and share the devotional and singing with us. We might have 40 or so there and good singing and those asking for prayer, and we really had a great time in these devotionals. One of our men goes on line and on the radio and holds daily devotionals for truck drivers.

One night, a man there, really seemed to need God in his life, and more help than we could give him. He asked me when we started our devotional time, if he could have my Bible, that he did not have one. We had no extras. I told him we did not have any more. He then asked for mine. This was my "special" Bible, it had gone to the Holy Land with me, it had all my notes and underlining in it. I could not give it away. Then a voice came in my head that said "it is only paper" and I replied, "but it is my special Bible". The voice again said, "You have Me and you can get another Bible". I then gave the truck driver my Bible and he cried. Yes, I did get another Bible and I have more notes in it. I often wonder if that Bible is thrown up in the back of a truck somewhere and if the man ever read it. I pray it will be read or be useful to someone someday.

We moved into a different care group, and the management at the truck stop have closed out the room for devotional purposes. We were there for about four years and maybe something good came from that.

Today, I have had more swelling in hands and feet. I looked back at my notes and this is a side effect of this chemo. I really hope my hands and feet do not stay like this. Because of the stopping the chemo last month, I had not taken this many days of the pill chemo, so this is the longest I have been on it, so causing this side effect. Of course, all "rat poison" is caustic! I pray it does some good...I would sure hate to go through this for nothing! But My God will not let that happen!

"I cry aloud to the Lord..."

One of my oldest dear friend's daughter (who was 45) was found dead this morning and this has been a sad day. The timing always seems wrong when a child dies before the parents. I can share the sorrow she feels, having lost a child.

God tells Jeremiah in 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." and Psalm 142:1 says "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy..." and with God's help we get through whatever life holds for us.

One of my grandmother's (Daddy's mother) had a grandmother who was Cherokee. Her English name was Katherine Black. I would love to know what her Cherokee name was. I also wish I had the nerve to mark the little block that says "other" when you have to tell what "race" you are. I don't think that is really enough genes for me to be called "American Indian". However I do love the mountains!

There has not been very much side effects this week, but some ankle swelling,for which has never been found a reason! A friend brought me some hand cream which may be just the thing for these cracked fingers. Food taste got bad again today--why does it get better then worse? Tomorrow has to be a better day!I am praying for so many people and for so many situations. Our cousins who are missionaries in Turkey are home for a while (in Missouri) and we pray for their continued safety.

"...I know the plans I have for you..."

Another favorite Bible passage---Jeremiah 29:11-12 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you..."

I feel hopeful and like this cancer will go away. The more tragic (tragic to me) events in my life, the more I seek God and the more I look for verses of hope. I think of people and families who go through truly enormously tragic happenings that makes this look like nothing and I feel ashamed that I would think I am to be spared anything like this. Everyone goes through terrible things and many don't share it. I am not sure any family is truly functional. But maybe this is to draw me closer to God--because it surely has! Whatever the reason or result, I am in His hands!

Thinking of family happenings, when our oldest son was small, he had croup. Do babies still have croup??? Or is it called something else? Anyway, John's mother had a "recipe" for croup. You take "mutton suet" (fat meat from a lamb) and camphorated oil, warm it so they melt together and rub this on the baby's chest. If it gets worse, make a "tent" over a simmering kettle of water and sit under the tent with the baby. This is guaranteed to work! The baby will breathe easy and be out of danger.

The old time remedies had a lot of basis of today's remedies. My mother used to rub Vicks Salve on our chest and feet for a bad cold. I saw an ad talking about the same thing just the other day. What goes around, comes around! Last year at this time I was so sick from that chemo and from the effects that I could not enjoy anything for two months. I am much better feeling this year. Thanks be to God for this year and for feeling better!

"...we are being renewed..."

As we get excited about going to our granddaughter's for Thanksgiving, I think about two of the "great"s names..one we will visit, and another one also, are named after one of my great grandmothers'. I have mentioned her before, not by name...she was Emmeline Chandler (maiden name). Her mother and her mother's first husband were married before the Civil War and he was killed during that war. All his brothers were also killed except one, and that one came home and married the widowed sister-in-law (like in the Bible!) Their first child was Emmeline. She grew up in southern Tennessee, and married my Daddy's grandfather. I have told about her before, how she went to Texas and back in a covered waggon, and I have a quilt she made. She died when I was about five years old, and I can remember her and a daughter living in a dog-trot cabin. She let me take a nap in a feather bed. I have a picture of Emmeline with my Grandmother, Mama and me when I was a baby. We had a family reunion down in the country several years ago and we met in a church the family had given land for. We also went by the log cabin Emmeline's parents lived in..her Father's name was Benjamin.I love knowing about family history. I will tell about another great grandmother another time.

This was a good day, health-wise, my hands are better, so apparently, the chemo-infusion is the part that affects my hands. It also does the bad taste to food, and that is better today. I get another infusion next Tuesday. I still have sore places on my face and arms, not like acne, but kind of..so this much come from the daily chemo pill. I pray it is killing the cancer!

II Corinthians 4:16..."Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." I also pray that my faith and spiritual strength is renewed every day!

A "crown to the aged..."

I think I am more tired than I was at first on this new chemo. I am experiences my face breaking out some. These are part of the list of many side effects. And of course, the food and water problem. I realize I do not drink enough but it tastes so bad---

We are going to spend Thanksgiving with one of our granddaughter's and her family. We see their three boys about three times a year and that is not enough! It will be so special to spend the day with them. One of my great desires is to have ALL our family together but that never happens--always someone cannot make it. So we see them in "pieces", but that is OK, as long as we see them.

All my life until I was about 40, we had Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Grandma's--I never thought it would end! All the family was there and it was so wonderful. We always had the usual, typical dinner, and always boiled custard and coconut cake (fresh--where you cut the coconut into pieces and cut off the brown outside and grate the white inside. First, you used a hammer and nail to pierce the coconut and save the "milk" and this milk was poured over the white cake to make it moist. Then the grated coconut was put over the top of the white icing ( the cooked kind). Nothing was short-cut!

The boiled custard was cooked in a double boiler, but I use the same recipe and I can make it in the microwave. For a quart of milk, mix 3/4 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and three beaten eggs, which you "string" into warm milk, then microwave this 2 minutes at a time, stir in between each time, and when it gets a little thick, stop, add a teaspoon or two of vanilla and beat it up, cool in the refrigerator. Serve with whipped cream on top and as I told another time, our family always had a little pitcher of "vinegar" to add a little to the custard. (this vinegar was really whiskey but no one would ever say that--we always called it vinegar!)

So nothing is ever the same, but new traditions take the place of the old ones and being with these three "greats" will certainly be a wonderful new tradition! I have found this Bible verse before and love the idea--Proverbs 17:6 says "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

"to you, O lord, I will sing praise..."

This evening John and I attended a concert by one of my nurses at Sara Cannon. When we met I felt she was very special and quickly learned she is a christian with a very special gift. Her singing is wonderful and she gave her testimony and how God had rescued her from a secular life, and how her voice is now dedicated to God.
I was thinking tonight how we all have special songs that mean so much to us.

Our "great" is here tonight sleeping in "her room" in our daughter's part of the house. She and I and my daughter had fun sewing together, and our great is learning to sew. She is six and my daughter was a little older than that when she first started sewing. Tonight the three of us made a small quilt and the "great" put it on her bed and wrote a sign for the sewing room door "me, CC and BB shop" . Her mother used to help us sew and I would rock the great and sing "You are my sunshine" to her. She says she remembers it???

I remember Mama's favorite church song was "I come to the garden alone..." and Daddy's was "Angry Words" (Angry words, oh never from my lips depart...) a very old song. Grandma used to clean house or work in the yard and always singing a church hymn. John says he cannot remember his parents favorite hymns. I especially love the new songs that come from the Psalms, it is like singing the Bible.

Except for the food taste(awful) this has been a good day. Nothing that was too bad to deal with. I am praying for health and continued joy and peace.

"I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise." Psalm 101:1

Thank you God for watching over my life...

My daughter in law knitted me a tiny shawl--to remind me that I am "covered in prayer", to carry in my Bible or purse. What a precious gift. So many friends tell me or email me that I am being prayed for and this means so much. I have such a feeling of comfort and being enclosed in God's hands or arms and being cared for. I do not pray for myself enough. Is this something we are taught to do? I do not remember being taught to pray for me. Is that selfish? If it is, I pray God will forgive me for selfishness and I am praying for ME as I pray for others! We people are so weak and there are so many special needs right now. So many friends are suffering cancer, wrecks, new babies' needs, illnesses, heart problems, and all frailties known to mankind.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your comings and goings both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:7-8

My fingers are no better and hurt so badly. I have six open cracks on five fingers. Both thumbs are bad and it makes buttoning really difficult. I have just made myself eat, the past several days, but nothing tastes good. I am not complaining, just explaining. I am getting excited about decorating our new apartment for Christmas. I always had so much decorating and I had to really pare down, so this will be a challenge , fun to look forward to this.

Meantime, lots of sewing and work to do. I am so thankful I can work. I am thankful for strength. Thank you God for watching over me.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills--"

I think we started traveling not too long after we married. We moved to Aiken, SC when our oldest son was a year old and of course we drove back and forth quite a bit to "home" here. While there for two years, we made "day" trips. The next three years we had two more children and started camping when our daughter was two and the boys were five and seven. We took trips to New England and to "follow the Mississippi River to Minnesota" the first two years of camping. The next year, I wanted to go to California and John said we could not afford it so I said I would get the money to go. I bought a sewing machine "on time" and took in sewing. The next year, I earned enough to go. We took three weeks and camped across the US and back, and all we spent was $500. Back then we could camp for $1 a night for four or us. We did not take Johny on that trip--he went to Easter Seal Camp that year.

Over the years, we camped in all but three states, but since then we have been in those states (Hawaii, Alaska and Utah). As the grandchildren came along we took them on camping and/or stayed in cabins on trips each summer. John and I have been to Europe four times, to the Holy Land, I have been to Japan, we have been on about 10 cruises and on five continents. I say that we never regret any trip we have taken but those we did not take. We have ridden the Orient Express from Paris to Vienna. We have taken a boat trip down the Rhine River. We have gone swimming in the Mediterranean Sea and had dinner in Monte Carlo. We sat in an amphitheatre where the apostle Paul once preached, We sat on the old temple steps in Jerusalem --- I sat there and ran my hand over the steps and thought how Jesus walked those actual steps!!!

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

The battle belongs to the Lord......

Tonight at church, the lesson was nearly the end of a series on "being fearful". Talking about what we are afraid of, is amazing and as we women discussed it, we fear many things throughout the years. Getting older does not change the discussion and we older ones keep many of the same ideas as young women. Our class leader gave a comparison to fears of not having basic needs as being "battles" and God is our leader. He can win these battles for us. I had never thought of cancer being a battle but it is and it can fall under the heading of basic needs (food, shelter, health, money, jobs, safety, etc..). When we have cancer, we are in a battle for our lives and if God is in control of our lives then He is indeed our leader into battle.

II Chronicles 20:15 "This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face [them] tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.'"

That is such a "wow" idea that when I let God take control of my life and I am in
this battle with cancer, He is leading this battle and tells me to not be afraid.

I think the eating problem is the worst of the side effects for this chemo. It is really a "taste" , or lack, and a feeling like my throat has been burned, keeping a raw feeling.

My friend Gene is sailing again and fishing again, so he is feeling so much better. Praise God for healing!

"Be strong in the Lord..."

The CT was today, and because the last one was not that great, and I went a month with no chemo this time, I was a little worried, but "ye of little faith"...the scan was so good!!!I have been on cloud nine all day! Of the 12 tiny tumors on my liver, they test the two largest and these two had shrunk 1/3!!!Also, everything else was presented in a favorable way. I have been in prayer of thanksgiving all day. My oncologist hugged me three times and he was so excited, and said he thinks this is the right chemo, and he also said he is presenting a paper in New York next week about this particular drug combination.

I am still on the daily pill, and this is what gives me the bad side effects--- my fingers cracked, nausea, food tasting bad. Food having no good taste, is one of the worst . Water tastes bad. But, I have lots of energy, and that is good.

Ephesians 6:10, 18 says, "...be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power...and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests..."

Thank you for all the prayers, and thank God for hearing our prayers and giving John and me more days to be together.

"We [are] like sheep..."

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6

I think cold weather reminds us of biscuits---and molasses! Our granddaughter asked for my biscuit recipe..it is a little different from hers and she remembers eating my biscuits. A grandson also told his little girl about how I showed them to mix butter and molasses together to eat it on a biscuit. My grandpa showed me how to do that. Isn't family tradition wonderful! And nothing is much better than molasses and butter mixed and put on biscuits. (This is sorghum molasses, made from sugar cane) You can go to "craft fairs" in the fall and see mules tied to a circle and grinding the cane, then someone will put this green liquid into a large pot, boil it and it turns brown and makes this sorghum. When we had the B@B and I served sorghum, anyone from up north usually did not like this, and one man said "it looks like crank case oil"...they just did not know what they were missing. One man one time (northerner) said "what is a grit?" He was asking about grits for breakfast and had no idea what it was.
The grandchildren used to sit up on our butcher block and help roll out the biscuits. Aren't memories wonderful! Now they all are teaching their children how to make biscuits. I have some sorghum so guess I need to make some biscuits.

I love reading the book of Isaiah, especially the verses that describe Jesus' suffering and loving us.

Tomorrow is CT day--I am anxious to hear results. I can feel God's healing and answered prayers.

"You have set your glory above the heavens..."

Well John and I had a wonderful cold time at the beach! But, we were together, we ate good seafood, we walked (which he cannot do here on our hills), and we "hung out". One of the evenings as we were finishing dinner, the waitress asked if "you want your check or just hang out for a while?" John said, to me, "what is hanging out?" (My wonderful husband does not always catch on to younger ways of talking or acting) I told him for us to just sit and talk, etc....and he said we always do that, but he did not know that is what "hanging out" meant! We had a good laugh over that. Because there was a cold wind this week at the beach, we did do alot of hanging out in stores, especially book stores, and everyday we would laugh about hanging out!

I had some reactions to the chemo on last Tuesday--sore teeth, some breaking out on my face and arms, some nausea...all expected but nothing bad enough to keep me from having fun. Our son and daughter in law came and spent two days with us and we had a great time just sitting and talking. Our place we stayed was overlooking the ocean and the water was incredibly beautiful--all green, blue, dark blue, waves, just made you want to run and jump in! So we sat in the sun and looked at the water and dreamed of warmer days when we would have run out and jumped right in!

Psalm 8:1-6-8... says, "O, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens....You have made [man] ruler over the works of your hands...the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the sea..."

Seeing all this beauty reminded me always of God's wondrous being and man's being here to enjoy all God has made. I am renewed and amazed at how God is taking care of me, and my being alive. This Tuesday I have a CT (unexpected) amd it will be exciting to see what it shows. John and I are so blessed and thankful, each day, as we start our 59th year together.

"...You will fill me with joy..."

"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, and eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11 This is another beautiful psalm that is a song of praise, both in the Bible and in a song today.

Today was quite a day, an eight hour day...blood draws, then steroid infusion, then chemo, white cell shot (even though it is up to normal!!!). Last of all, I got my flu shot. I feel very full of all meds and because of steroids, not sleepy at all. I also started the chemo daily pill again.

John's eye is better, and if he had to hurt one eye, thank goodness it was his bad eye. He is using eye salve four times a day and the pain is about gone.

Today was our 58 wedding anniversary and there was really no celebrating, but we are leaving for a little trip tomorrow and that will be our celebration. We are going to Florida for four days and really looking forward to being restful and walking on the beach. I hope that atmosphere will help my painful knees and hands, arthritis like pains from the chemo. My cracked fingers are better but I wonder if that will reoccur with the chemo again today. My doctor was very encouraging and just knows this chemo is the "right one"! I pray he is right. Anyway, I will be joyful and looking for good things each day.

"A friend loves at all times..."

John was working in his shop and got a tiny, tiny spec of sawdust in one eye...he was miserable last night and we were at his eye doctor's this morning and the doctor removed this spec...you could hardly see it but it sure did hurt--all night! So he has salve and hopefully it will be normal in a day or so...and John can sleep tonight.

We did our every first Monday night of each month with three other couples, with whom we have met for dinner for 34 years! We all got to know each other when us "girls" were at the same school, three of us as teachers and one as the secretary. We were at the same table for the end of school banquet and had such fun, we decided to meet regularly and we have. One couple has moved out of state and we used to meet halfway every so often for dinner. We have seen children grow up, grandchildren born, parents pass away, tragedies that happen in families, illnesses, jobs change, moving to new homes, and most of us retired now, and the neatest thing is our ages range over 30 years apart. We have had such fun over these years. Along the way, one of the girls and I found out we are distant cousins. We share the same great-great grandmother for her, and great grandmother for me. Isn't life fun!
Proverbs has several comments about friends--17:17 says "A friend loveth at all times.." and 18:24 says "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Tomorrow is chemo day ( I hope) since it has been put off for over a month. I feel like tumors are growing all the time...I don't know that for a fact, just wondering...anyway, if I am going to do it, let's get on with it!